Last Updated on May 4, 2013 by Morris Green

This week, we are sharing information on the DWI assessment and substance abuse treatment that is required when someone is charged with a DWI in North Carolina. The chart below (courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services) illustrates the steps involved in the DWI process. As you review the diagram, you will also notice the critical role of DWI service providers in the rehabilitation, education and reinstatement process.

Reading Between The Lines

To put this diagram in perspective, keep the following in mind:

• Drunk drivers are usually spotted by the police or someone else on the highway because of their reckless driving behavior – swerving, driving too fast, driving too slowly or riding too closely. Even after just a few drinks, your driving can be impaired.
• Most people who are stopped by the police for DWI fail the sobriety test which leads to the arrest. In fact, the Partnership at DrugFree.org found that over half of the people arrested for DWI have a blood alcohol content of 2 times the legal limit of .08.
• Driving privileges are automatically revoked for a period of one year for refusing to take a breathalyzer test when stopped for suspicion of a DWI.
• Breath test results can be used in court to determine how long driving privileges will be revoked. Blood alcohol content levels above .14 usually result in stricter penalties.
• New Law effective December 2014: Drivers will be required to install an ignition interlock system before driving, and blood alcohol levels must be below .04.
• There are 5 levels of treatment for DWI offenders. Repeat offenders and those with a blood alcohol level of .14 or over will automatically be referred for longer term treatment and classes.

Levels of DWI Treatment:

1. ADETS classes (16 hours of education and prevention classes over a minimum period of 5 days)
2. Short Term Outpatient Treatment (20 – 39 hours of education, prevention and counseling over a minimum of 30 days)
3. Longer Term Outpatient Treatment (40 – 89 of education, prevention and counseling over a minimum of 60 days)
4. Day Treatment/Intensive Outpatient Treatment (90 hours of education, prevention and counseling over a minimum of 90 days)
5. Inpatient/Residential Treatment – (Minimum 90 days of treatment spent at a licensed facility)

To learn more about DWI assessments and substance abuse treatment classes, read our blog post: What To Do After You Are Arrested For DWI, Part 2 – DWI Assessments